I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A brother and sister must find their own paths to their faith while discovering a mysterious realm in author Terrance Niedziela Jr’s “Tales of Aras: Becoming Fire & Lightning.”
The Synopsis
Sometimes God leads us through fire before revealing the lightning within.
Dr. Michael Jenkins thought his greatest battles were behind him. After surviving a terrorist attack that changed his life forever, he returns home determined to heal and reconnect with family. Instead, he is pulled into the mysterious realm of Aras, a world unlike anything he has ever known.
There, danger lurks in the shadows, powerful forces stir, and the line between courage and fear grows thinner with every step. As Michael struggles to survive in this unfamiliar land, he begins to understand that his scars may hold purpose, his trials may carry meaning, and his faith may be the key to something far greater than he imagined.
Tales of Aras: Becoming Fire & Lightning is the first installment in an exciting, clean speculative fiction series designed to entertain, build rich and memorable worlds, and introduce unforgettable characters who remind readers that God is always at work, even in the most unexpected places.
Adventure awaits. Purpose calls. Faith endures.
THE REVIEW
This is a rich and compelling, clean speculative fiction fantasy world that the author has created. The rich world-building at work here, along with the unique mythos surrounding a prophecy from the start of the book, allows the more grounded character work to shine brightly. The imagery, the author’s writing style, and the unique artwork featured throughout the book, including the prophecy mentioned at the beginning, will definitely catch the reader’s eye and feel like an immersive experience not to be missed.
The character dynamics at work here become the novel’s central focus and a powerful theme of faith. The grounded aspects of the novel are within the characters, Michael and his sister, Cassandra. Not only is Michael thrust into a world of mystery and fantasy, but he and Cassandra must also come to terms with their own perspectives on faith, and Cassandra must wrestle with identity as she seeks to move beyond her older brother’s shadow of heroism.
THE VERDICT
Rich, dynamic, and both entertaining and enlightening, Author TERRANCE NIEDZIELA JR’s “Tales of Aras: Becoming Fire & Lightning” is a must-read, clean speculative fiction meets fantasy novel. The twists and turns the story takes as the reader progresses into this world, and the balance of this with the heartfelt, personal character development, will have readers compelled to dive into this novel and explore every inch of the mythos the author has brought to life on the page. If you haven’t yet, please be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Terrance grew up in Wisconsin and currently lives in South Carolina with his beautiful wife and their dogs.
He received his BS in Ancient Middle East History with a minor in Creative Fiction at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a MA in English and Creative Fiction Writing at Southern New Hampshire University.
He currently teaches middle school English and writes speculative fiction. His fiction has earned a first place Foundation Award at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, a Fiction Carolina Christian Writers Award, and a second place Florida Tapestry Award.
https://www.instagram.com/terranceniedzielajr
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